University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Test-OptionalLGBTQ+
Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
TRAINING
•Strong foundation in contemporary acting and directing techniques
•Specialized skills in voice development, stage movement, and ensemble performance
•Advanced courses in classical rhetorical training, Shakespeare, Molière, monologue/scene work, and directing
•Musical theater course regularly offered with mainstage season typically including a musical
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•4-6 professional-quality productions presented annually on two main stages
•Additional studio productions, independent projects, and Fringe Fest
•Pre-audition workshops offered for production casting
•Freshmen, minors, and non-majors welcome to audition for shows
FIVE-COLLEGE CONSORTIUM
•Take courses and participate in productions at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst Colleges at no extra charge
CAREER PREPARATION
•Professional internships at Silverthorne Theatre Co., Shakespeare & Co., Williamstown Theatre Festival, and WAM Theatre
•Alumni include Broadway performers, artistic directors, playwrights, and scholars
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atCommon App
Deadlines
Early ActionNov 5, 2025
Regular DecisionJan 15, 2026
Application Fee
$90Waiver
Good to Know
HOW TO DECLARE
•Apply and be admitted to UMass Amherst via Common App
•Once enrolled, declare Theater major with no separate program application
•Contact Undergraduate Program Director Elisa Gonzales (egonzales@umass.edu) to declare
•Declare by sophomore year recommended — late declaration may delay graduation
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition required for admission to the program
•Must be admitted to UMass Amherst first, then declare Theater major
Scholarship Info
DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIPS
•Ed Golden Acting Scholarship — recognizes exceptional acting talent (~$1,000/year, 1-2 recipients)
•Stephen Driscoll BADA Scholarship — covers 50% of tuition and airfare for Midsummer in Oxford Program (1 recipient/year)
•Denise Lessard Wagner Community Spirit Award — honors graduating seniors for outstanding department contribution
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
•Theater students regularly represented in college-wide and campus-wide award programs
•Internship support available through the department
Program info updated Mar 22, 10:15 PM
TRAINING
•Strong foundation in contemporary acting and directing techniques
•Specialized skills in voice development, stage movement, and ensemble performance
•Advanced courses in classical rhetorical training, Shakespeare, Molière, monologue/scene work, and directing
•Musical theater course regularly offered with mainstage season typically including a musical
PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
•4-6 professional-quality productions presented annually on two main stages
•Additional studio productions, independent projects, and Fringe Fest
•Pre-audition workshops offered for production casting
•Freshmen, minors, and non-majors welcome to audition for shows
FIVE-COLLEGE CONSORTIUM
•Take courses and participate in productions at Smith, Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Amherst Colleges at no extra charge
CAREER PREPARATION
•Professional internships at Silverthorne Theatre Co., Shakespeare & Co., Williamstown Theatre Festival, and WAM Theatre
•Alumni include Broadway performers, artistic directors, playwrights, and scholars
Updated Mar 22, 10:15 PM
Academic School Information
4.04
Avg GPA (W)
60%
Admit Rate
83%
Grad Rate
23,671
Enrollment
$71,631
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$17,772
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$40,449
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$22,383
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$10,164
Family Income $30k - $48k$10,456
Family Income $48k - $75k$12,932
Family Income $75k - $110k$18,964
Family Income $110k+$30,793
